Swindon student recognised at national awards

New College Swindon student, Sarah Fenwick, has been recognised at a special event in Parliament.

Sarah received a highly commended prize in the 19-years-old and over category of the Association of Colleges’ Student of the Year awards. She was welcomed to Parliament by her local MP, Robert Buckland.

At 16, Sarah left school with no qualifications. She returned to college in 2011 as an mature student to do a Level 1 English course and has since graduated with a distinction in her health and social care higher national diploma. She is now progressing to the University of Birmingham.

Ian Ashman, President of the Association of Colleges, said: “This year’s nominations for the Student of the Year Awards were of an exceptionally high standard and it is both humbling and heart-warming to see the impact that further education has on the lives of so many of its students. Sarah’s determination, spirit and motivation are truly inspiring to both her fellow students and staff at New College Swindon.”

The reception in Parliament was sponsored by Peter Kyle MP, Chair of the APPG for Further Education and Lifelong Learning.